The Vanishing at Loxby Manor, Abigail Wilson [best value ebook reader .TXT] 📗

first. We had hoped to keep her reputation intact . . . Last night’s storm washed away some of the earth as well as a great many of our questions. We discovered her . . . moments ago in a shallow grave.” I lifted my eyebrows. “On your estate.”

He seemed utterly lost as his gaze searched the floor, a myriad of emotions flashing in and out of his harried eyes. Finallyhis hand crept to his mouth. “You mean to tell me . . . Seline is dead?”

“And has been these past few weeks.”

I’d had time to consider the possibility of something terrible happening since the night Seline disappeared, but Hugh hadbeen wholly unprepared for the news. He slumped into his chair, covering his face with his hands. “How could this have happened?”

“I hoped you could shed some light on the situation. Seline must have come to Rushridge after your society meeting at theabbey. Did you speak with her? Did you see her?”

“I-I didn’t get the chance.” Slowly, methodically, he looked up to meet my eyes. We stared at each other for what felt likea full minute. At length he spoke, his voice altogether different. “Are you accusing me of something?”

Priscilla rushed to his side and knelt on the carpet. “Don’t be ridiculous. We’re both just terribly concerned about whathappened. And about you. Perhaps you should—”

Hugh jumped up and Priscilla was thrust backward.

“Where will I find this grave?”

“Off the main estate road. Piers and Avery are there now. The authorities will be on your property shortly.” My words felt strange as they left my mouth. It was as if I’d wandered into a dreamland where all my childhood acquaintances had elevated themselves to villains of their own stories. Well, sort of. Hugh was brass and cold, morose at times, but after witnessing his reaction moments ago, I didn’t think him involved in Seline’s death.

He paced from the room without looking back, and as with Priscilla, a fresh wave of anxiety washed over me. How would he handleseeing her body? Thank goodness Piers would be there.

Priscilla saw her brother to the door, then made her way back to the sofa and slid down beside me. “I didn’t know Seline allthat well. A part of me hated her for what she did to Hugh, but I never would have wished her harm.”

Priscilla’s voice grated against my ears, the numb shock of Seline’s death melting whatever resilience I’d been able to managethus far. However, something she said caught my attention. “What exactly did Seline do to Hugh?”

She let out a long sigh. “Hugh spoke of some kind of agreement between them. He actually thought she meant to marry him someday.I overheard him and Tony talking about it last night. They were angry and didn’t know I’d come down to the kitchens for somefood. I couldn’t help but listen.”

Interesting. “What did they say?”

She toyed with the edge of her lip. “I probably shouldn’t repeat it. Hugh would have my head for doing so, but I don’t wantyou to think he played any part in Seline’s death.” She folded her hands in her lap. “Seline’s absence will be a terriblewound for him. I only hope he may find a way to come about.”

She took a glance at the door, and I nodded for her to go on. Now was not the time for secrets.

“Tony was saying something about how Hugh had tried to leave. I can only assume he meant Seline, because he went right into discussing a curricle race. Apparently Hugh bet a great deal of money on the outcome. Hugh said that once he had given Seline his name, he could find a way out.”

I sat back. “A way out?”

“That’s what he said. I assume he means the crushing debt we’ve been living with for the last few years.”

“But Seline doesn’t have a large dowry.”

“No, and I also don’t believe for one second that she ever really considered marrying Hugh. She did revel in his attentions,but I daresay she’s the biggest flirt I’ve ever known.” Priscilla’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh dear, I shouldn’t have saidthat. I never meant to disparage the dead.” She closed her eyes. “I still can’t believe she’s really gone. She had that boisterouspersonality that no one could ever believe extinguished.” Her icy fingers curled around mine. “How did she die?”

It took me a moment to produce the words burning on my tongue. “She suffered a blow to the head. We can only assume that iswhat killed her.”

“A blow to the head?” Her whispered words echoed my own astonishment. Then a wrinkle formed on Priscilla’s brow. “I must say,that does make me think of something.” Her eyes flit about the room. “You know, the night Hugh went to the abbey I went lookingfor him. I even walked to the stables to see if his horse was indeed gone.”

“And was it?”

“Well, yes, he’d taken it with him. But on my way back to the house, I heard a scuffle then the pounding of horses’ hooves.I thought it was Hugh returning home, but he didn’t appear like I thought he would. I started toward the main road to intercepthim, but it was the strangest thing. I saw a shadow heading the opposite direction.”

“A person? What did they look like?”

“I’m fairly certain it was a man. Well, I’m partially certain. The figure was a long way away and moving fast. Then Hugh arrived.We walked back to the house together, and I thought no more about it.” She leaned forward, her eyes growing wide as saucers.“You don’t think we were a few yards away from a murderer, do you?”

Chapter 25

The next few weeks shot by in a blur, the effects I still have not completely recovered from. Tony brought word that Piers’sduel would continue to be delayed and the curricle race likely to be canceled entirely. The authorities were in and out ofLoxby Manor at all hours, asking questions and taking information.

Mrs. Cavanagh went straight into seclusion, emerging only for the events surrounding